Gladiators

Gladiators

The gladiators were filling the amphitheatre of Pompeii. Regulus was presenting the fights because he was celebrating his birthday. Regulus was a Roman senator and lived near Nuceria. The Nucerians did not have an amphitheatre. Therefore, many Nucerians were in the amphitheatre of Pompeii. The trumpet sounded. Two net-fighters and two murmillo fighters entered the arena. The murmillo fighters greatly delighted the Pompeians because they were often victors; but the Nucerians incited the net-fighters. The murmillo fighters challenged the net-fighters to battle in vain. The net-fighters, because they were light-armed, easily avoided the murmillo fighters. “The net-fighters are cowardly!” shouted the Pompeians. However, the Nucerians replied, “The net-fighters deceive the murmillo fighters!” Then a murmillo shouted, “One murmillo easily overcomes two net-fighters.” After the Pompeians applauded, the murmillo immediately attacked the net-fighters. The murmillo and the net-fighters fought fiercely. At last, the net-fighters severely wounded the murmillo. Then the net-fighters attacked another murmillo. This murmillo fought bravely, but the net-fighters also overcame him. The Pompeians, because they were angry, criticized the murmillo fighters; however, they demanded mercy because the murmillo fighters were brave. The Nucerians demanded death. All the spectators were silent and watched Regulus intently. Regulus turned his thumb. The Pompeians were angry and shouted vehemently. The net-fighters, however, after Regulus gave the signal, killed the murmillo fighters.